All children have a right to what makes for their happiness, however we
know that many times our society, for a variety of reasons, falls short in
this regard. Christian Scripture speaking of children says, “Of such is
the Kingdom of God.” The Convention on the Rights of the Child states that
“the child for the full and harmonious development of his/her personality
should grow up in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.”
Ooooh!
Look what Santa got me! It was a special day at the Fountain of Life‘s
annual Christmas Pageant (file photo, 200).
At Fountain of Life Children’s Center, great efforts
are made to ensure the happiness of the children who come here. First this
entails obtaining identification for those who do not have proper documents.
From January until now 28 children have received birth certificates, so now
they have identity. At present there 9 more on the waiting list.
Next comes the need for good nutritious food in plentiful
supply so the children can maintain height, weight and a healthy body
befitting their age. Dental care is closely related to the nutrition program
and height and weight of the children. Since about 90% of the children have
very poor teeth, visits to dentists are many and costly.
Children follow an education program suitable to their
age. Our aim is that, before their seventh birthday, a group of healthy,
happy, confident children are ready to step out from Fountain of Life
Children’s Center to start the long road towards an education in the
government’s education system. In May of this year 68 children went to
government schools in Pattaya and other parts of the country.
This may seem very logical and relatively easy until
someone asks where does the finance come from and then we answer that this
is where the people of Pattaya, other parts of the country - and further
afield - play a great part in this project for poor children.
This is orchestrated by “Jesters Care for Kids”. We
wish to express our gratitude for the great effort of Jester’s Care for
Kids that goes to organize the annual Charity Drive for underprivileged
children in Pattaya.
This year the Children’s Fair took place on September
14 at Diana Garden and Driving Range, followed by the Pub Night on September
20 at Shenanigan’s. The amount announced as a result was four million
baht, which will go to help three other institutions for needy children as
well as Fountain of Life.
The effort that went into making this 6th Jesters Care
for Kids Charity Drive such a success started in February and gained
momentum each month until September. This event generates approximately 60%
of the operational expenses for Fountain of Life Children’s Center. Every
one who took part in this great effort to improve the lot of underprivileged
children can be proud.
There is no way the Fountain of Life Children’s Center
could do what we do, without your generosity. We wish to thank every one of
you, who should feel pride and content because of this wonderful
achievement.
Before we know it, the preparations for “Jesters Care
of Kids 2004” will be underway and surely the organizing committee will be
aiming for results as good as this year, if not better. We all wish that.
However, we feel the awareness created by Jesters Care
for Kids of the numbers and the needs of underprivileged and abused children
here in Pattaya is a very important and worthwhile part of the whole effort.
As this awareness grows, society hopefully can tackle this problem and join
the effort to seek suitable remedies. Therefore the financial support and a
growing awareness of the number of needy children in our community go hand
in hand. All at Fountain of Life are proud to join you in this.
We wish all of you a very Happy Christmas. Children are
an important part of this festival when God was born as a little child and
grew to manhood, teaching us the way to health, happiness and justice. May
each of you receive blessings from God and the holy things of creation that
we all respect.
Sr Jiemjit, Sr Joan and all at the Fountain of Life Children’s Center.
Look
mom, there’s someone in my bed and he’s fast asleep.
Two
are showing presents being given out by Santa and the other is of the Choir
singing their song.
Musical
stars of the future entertained and sang their way into the hearts of
parents, friends and teachers alike.
Christmas
carols conducted by the talented Yolanda produced truly heavenly sounds.
The
event kicked off at 4 p.m. with Barbara Thomas, school director welcoming
parents and friends to the annual show, which has become one of the
highlights on the school’s annual calendar.
Preschool
A students, proved their talent by performing classics such as “Blue
Christmas” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. Not to be outdone,
Preschool B students banged out “Drummer Boy” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing
Santa Claus”, as well as “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree”.
